There’s nothing like a home-cooked meal to warm your heart and soul. Especially when it’s a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy casserole that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. That’s why I love cooking this chicken broccoli rice casserole for dinner. It’s one of those dishes that makes everyone happy, from kids to adults.
This casserole is not only delicious, but also easy to make. You don’t need to pre-cook anything, just dump everything in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. In an hour or so, you’ll have a hearty and comforting meal that’s loaded with protein, veggies, and carbs. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and makes great leftovers.
But the best part about cooking this casserole at home is that you get to enjoy the many benefits of home cooking. According to various studies, cooking at home can:
– Improve your health by eating fewer calories, less fat, less salt, less sugar, and more nutrients than eating out or ordering in.
– Boost your mood by reducing stress, enhancing creativity, and increasing self-esteem.
– Strengthen your relationships by spending quality time with your loved ones, sharing stories, and expressing gratitude.
– Save your money by using cheaper ingredients, avoiding tips and taxes, and reducing food waste.
– Protect the environment by using less packaging, less energy, and less water than processed food.
Wow, that’s a lot of perks for just one simple activity! No wonder cooking at home is becoming more popular these days. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get ready to whip up this amazing Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole casserole. Trust me, you won’t regret it. It’s a dish that will make you feel good inside and out. Bon appétit! 🍽️😋
Steps
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1
Done
5 min
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Preheat the oven and season the chickenPreheat the oven to 350°F. Season the chicken on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and some Italian seasoning. This will give the chicken more flavor and help it cook evenly. |
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2
Done
5 min
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Cook the onion and garlicHeat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a deep, oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. The onion and garlic will add a nice aroma and taste to the rice mixture. |
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3
Done
5 min
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Add the rice and liquidsAdd the rice and stir to coat. Add the chicken broth, half-and-half, and another ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); stir well. The liquids will help the rice cook and create a creamy sauce. Cover and transfer to the oven for 20 minutes. |
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4
Done
5 min
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Add the chicken, broccoli, and cheeseRemove from the oven and stir. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the rice mixture. Add the broccoli and cheese; stir to coat until the cheese has melted. The broccoli will add some color and nutrition to the dish. The cheese will make it rich and gooey. Smooth into an even layer. |
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5
Done
20 min
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Sprinkle the topping and bakeCombine the bread crumbs and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle over the top, along with the Parmesan cheese. The bread crumbs will add some crunch and texture to the dish. The Parmesan cheese will add some extra flavor and saltiness. Return to the oven to bake until rice is tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly, about 20 minutes more. |
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6
Done
5 min
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Broil and serveBroil on low for 2 to 5 minutes for extra browning. This will make the topping more crispy and appealing. Cool for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set slightly and make it easier to cut into portions. |
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This recipe is a culinary delight. I’m in food heaven.